Larval development and growth of Red Saddleback Anemonefish, <em>Amphiprion ephippium</em>,(Bloch, 1790) under captive conditions

Abstract

On the 1^stday of hatching, the body of the larva was transparent and all the fins were fused together to form a single fin fold.&nbsp; Hatchlings measured 4.96mm in total length. On the 10^thday, all the fins were visible and body colouration had begun to develop, the larvae then measured 7.08 mm in total length. The banding began to appear from the 10^th day and on the 15^thday, the head and middle band were clearly visible. From the 25^th day onwards, the larva measured 9.66 mm in total length. On the 30^th day, adult pigmentation had begun to appear in the larva. After the 45^thday, the bands started to disappear. By the 160^thday, the middle band had completely disappeared. On the 310^th day all the bands had disappeared and now the juvenile has transformed into an adult fish<em>.</em>